Stop telling lies, PM tells rivals

Asks opponents to stop hurling accusations, if they can’t assist in development

NAROWAL: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called upon political rivals on Thursday to stop telling lies on a daily basis, and not to hinder the way of the country’s economic development.

“Some politicians tell lies on a daily basis. There is no break for them... they hurl dirty accusations, which have no basis and truth. This nation is progressing. Don’t hinder the way of this development,” he said while speaking at the launch of the PM’s National Health Programme.

Premier Sharif said that owing to his government’s prudent policies over the last three and a half years, the backbone of terrorists had been broken, power outages had been curtailed to a large extent and Pakistan had been put on the course of development.

With inflation on the downward trend, Pakistan Stock Exchange has made it to the list of the world’s best performing stock markets, Pakistan’s economy is expected to grow at around 5.5% during this fiscal year (2016-17), he added.

Sharif said Pakistan’s economic performance was also being recognised by the world. “If you cannot assist us in this development, at least stop creating hurdles,” he said with reference to his political opponents.

He, however, added that “people have become much aware about national affairs; can judge the truth and lie; and cannot be deceived by telling lies.”

Sharif said that when he took over in 2013, the country was facing various challenges such as severe electricity shortage and the menace of terrorism.

“In 2013, there were street protests due to 16-18 hours of load-shedding,” he added. “The present government has checked this problem to a large extent over the last three years and was working hard to eliminate load-shedding by 2018.”

Similarly, the prime minister said that the backbone of terrorists had been broken and the menace of terrorism had been checked.

On the occasion, the premier also distributed the NHP cards among the registered persons. Minister of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar said the PML-N government was fulfilling all its promises made with the people during election campaign.

She said the PM’s Health Insurance Scheme was culmination of a dream and a unique programme of its kind in the world. The poor segments of society have been targeted in it, he said, adding that it was a pro-women programme which would help reduce child and mother mortality rate in the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2017.